PLANNING: The Secret To Stress Free Summer Time-Sharing

I know it’s early, but I wanted to share what I believe to
be the key to a stress-free summer time-sharing schedule which is to plan in
advance! Why you might ask?

First, keep in mind that kids can become stressed about what
their summer schedule will be and they often start talking to friends and thinking
about summer activities weeks before school lets out. Even if you don’t yet
know what your summer plans are, talk to your co-parent and see what they may
be planning. Once you have a framework for the summer planned out, you can add
the fun details!

Communicate

Sit down and talk to the kids about what activities they
might have an interest in. Get the kids involved in the planning and make sure
their expectations are realistic. Don’t over promise or blame the other parent
for decisions the child perceives to be negative. Children should understand
that both parents will be involved in jointly planning schedules and activities
that affect them. Planning can reduce stress regarding the unknown and add excitement
for their upcoming summer!

Plan In Advance

Second, summer can be a big stress for parents too! If you
are like most people, you already have a busy life. Now you may have to arrange
extra activities, plan a vacation, coordinate schedules with the other parent or
budget for unplanned expenses. I know it isn’t easy. I also know it is usually
more difficult to do these things at the last minute. Delaying summer time-sharing
decisions can quickly become more challenging and frustrating for both parents.
Again, my experience has taught me that planning in advance will reduce your
stress.

Fix Problems; Don’t Ignore Them

Finally, as children grow up and families change over the
years, previous parenting plans can sometimes start to become difficult to work
with. Children change schools and develop interests in activities nobody ever
contemplated, parents move, remarry, change jobs and schedules change. These are
all perfectly normal changes, and many were not predicted at the time the
parenting plan was written. Therefore, you need to allow time to change your
parenting plan if needed.

Remember that time is your friend! Planning for summer
time-sharing can make a difference between stress and excitement for everyone.

About Lori Caldwell-Carr, Attorney

I’m a Florida girl…having lived here most of my life. Walking the beach and playing in the surf is what makes Florida my happy place. I am blessed to have a great husband and two girls. The girls are grown, but we find a way to see them as much as we can.

Why I Love What I Do:“I love being a family law attorney today. Families in legal transition have so many options available to them today that weren’t available in the past. It is rewarding when I can help people find a unique solution that closely matches what the family needs.”

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InFocus Family Law Firm is a central Florida law firm practicing in the areas of divorce, child support, alimony, relocation, paternity, close family adoption and various post judgment modification matters.

We serve the central Florida area including Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Osceola and Lake counties. Please call to discuss your matter with us.

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